Yassine Echcherki

I'm originally from Sefrou, Morocco, which is located in the foothills of the Middle Atlas Mountains, southeast of Fez. In 2010, I started my own company, Morocco Off the Beaten Track, with the vision of bringing local Moroccans together with the rest of the world to encourage understanding and promote global experience. My goal is to always provide a uniquely Moroccan experience, where my travelers can see, feel and taste what makes the Kingdom of Morocco special. I have worked for the U.S. Peace Corps as an Arabic language instructor and culture trainer, and with different travel companies in Morocco facilitating and organizing cultural tours and programs. I have also conducted cross-cultural educational programs for several American organizations and taught French and Arabic at a primary school in Citta Del Castelo, Italy. In addition to speaking my native Arabic language, I'm fluent in French and English. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and marketing from Central Washington University in Washington State and I'm currently pursuing a master’s degree in data analytics at the same university. I also volunteer and teach English to Syrian refugees in the greater Seattle area while providing them with localization and life coach services. I strongly believe that cross-cultural education and international learning opportunities are the keys to promoting peace and building long-lasting friendships.

I operate mostly in semi-urban to rural areas. While I generally want to give our travelers the opportunity to experience the real Morocco far from the touristy places, I can plan trips to the larger imperial cities (Marrakesh, Rabat, Fez, Casablanca, etc.) if our travelers so desire. In my tours, we visit villages, meet artisans and farmers, and share food with local people. My activities include community service, historical and cultural tours, hikes and treks, cooking classes, surfing instruction, 4x4 and camel desert trips, skiing and snowboarding, rafting, and rock climbing.

I will never forget the time I went with my friend to the desert dunes of Merzouga in Morocco. Prior to traveling there, I had not known that Morocco had deserts like this. It was endless rolling dunes of reddish sand, and it took us two hours by camel to reach the oasis we were staying at. At the oasis, I learned different ways to bake bread by the local Berber nomads and got to try their unique foods. The hospitality was outstanding and was one of the more special things about the trip. In the evening we went to the largest dune in the area and got to see the silver shine of the desert in the moonlight. It was a breathtaking view and something I will never forget.

My expertise in Moroccan travel will guarantee that your itinerary and trip will be successful and enjoyable. Having grown up in Morocco, I have a deep understanding of the culture and country, making it easy for me to recommend the best and most unique experiences for my travelers. I have been in this industry for over a decade and have celebrated many successful trips and events with my travelers and travel partners. Also, I have a desire and drive to continually give back to the community, and to assist in sustainable projects that make Morocco a better place for its residents and visitors. Work with me to create and plan your international travel and you will not be disappointed!